February 2019 – Citizen Matters

Round table discussions suggest alternatives to present education system

February 28, 2019 Bhamy Shenoy

A recap of deliberations at recent round table discussions in Karnataka that sought to develop a strategy for transforming our schools and higher education institutions, replacing the rote learning-driven system that they have traditionally followed.

Five charts that show the extent of political power women have in India

February 26, 2019 Shree D N

Data shows that women MPs form 11.58% of the total number of MPs in the 16th Lok Sabha. That and four more charts explain the status of women in Parliament and offer a bird’s eye view of women’s representation in state assemblies.

City Buzz: Hate grips cities post Pulwama | Urban jobs scheme in MP | ‘Connect Delhi’ project…and more

February 23, 2019 News Desk

MNREGS-like scheme launched for urban youth in MP, Delhi aims to provide neighbourhood-level public transport, while Kashmiris face threats in some cities as the nation boils over in the aftermath of the terror attack in Pulwama. Catch the most important happenings across cities this week.

Death in a Delhi sewer…and lives of those left behind

February 22, 2019 Bhasha Singh / PARI

After Anil’s death while cleaning a sewer in Delhi, Rani has been struggling to make ends meet, while battling grief and barbs about not being his legally married wife. “On how many fronts can I fight?” she asks, and hopes the state will now bring in machines for cleaning drains.

Meet Hyderabad’s road doctor who has wowed hundreds, even Amitabh Bachchan!

February 21, 2019 Lalita Iyer

Gangadhara Tilak Katnam. A retired engineer who has used his personal savings to fill 1359 potholes in Hyderabad till date, with or without assistance. What makes this possible? And can this be a sustainable solution to a problem that plagues most of our cities?

Why two-wheeler riders hate helmets — and why they should not!

February 19, 2019 Revathi Siva Kumar

In Pune, a two-wheeler rider wore a cooking pan on his head, to protest the crackdown on helmet-less riders. In Puducherry, the chief minister himself led a dharna against mandatory use of helmets by all two-wheeler riders. What’s behind such apparently senseless protests?

When reading soldiers’ names on India Gate was any Delhi kid’s favourite Sunday pastime

February 19, 2019 Aruna Subramaniam

The author’s visit to the capital evokes nostalgia over the sights and sounds of the past, and also brings out remnants of past glory and the sites that make it a magical city — the sound, smog and crowds notwithstanding!

City Buzz: Delhi blaze kills 17 | Hyderabad master plan deadline | Pune plans water supply revamp..and more!

February 16, 2019 News Desk

Yet another fire in the capital, what is behind it? What will be the focus areas in the new Hyderabad master plan? How is Pune planning to augment water supply in the face of rising population? Learn more about these and other urban developments this week.

Citizenship Amendment Bill has lapsed, but why are north-eastern cities still simmering?

February 15, 2019 Linda Chhakchhuak

From Guwahati to Imphal and Aizawl to Itanagar, north-east India broke out in massive demonstrations as the Citizenship Amendment Bill loomed on the horizon. But now with the bill having lapsed, can one look forward to peace and calm in the region?

Aadhaar amendment bill: Here’s why you need to be concerned

February 13, 2019 Shree D N

The bill introduces the concept of opting out of Aadhaar, offers alternative ids for authentication and helps people get justice in case of disputes related to Aadhaar. But why then are activists still critical of the Aadhaar Amendment Bill?

City Buzz: Hyderabad ‘safe auto’ project | Mumbai monorail by March | Kolkata nails tax defaulters..and more

February 11, 2019 News Desk

Which areas shall benefit from Phase 2 of the Mumbai monorail? Why is Pune installing cameras around the city? How much do property tax defaulters in Kolkata owe the municipality? Find all this and more in this wrap of urban news over the week gone by.

Does heritage preservation in Mysuru have to be a zero-sum game?

February 10, 2019 Bhamy Shenoy

The Mysore City Corporation wants to demolish the iconic structures of Devaraj market and Lansdowne building, believing that to be the only option in the face of accident risks as well as growing demands of vehicular traffic. Yet, heritage conservation calls for a more balanced, meticulous approach.